Rep. Sykes Announces nearly $100,000 for the Canton Police Department and Stark County Sheriff’s Office

Rep. Sykes Announces nearly $100,000 for the Canton Police Department and Stark County Sheriff's Office

CANTON, OHIO - Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that the City of Canton's Police Department and Stark County Sheriff's Office has been awarded $99,769 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.

The funding, awarded through the Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance, will support law enforcement equipment and services for the Canton Police Department and the Stark County Sheriff's Office.

"This funding will give our local law enforcement the tools they need to keep our communities safe," said Rep. Sykes. "From updating outdated equipment to strengthening our fight against human trafficking and narcotics, this investment makes a real difference for the officers who serve Canton and Stark County every day."

"The Stark County Sheriff's Office is thrilled to have been awarded this grant, which will help us continue improving the services we provide to our community," said Stark County Sheriff Eric Weisburn. "We'll use this funding to invest in tools and resources our officers need to do their jobs safely and effectively."

The Canton Police Department will use its portion of the funds to purchase new Getac Generation 7 Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs), replacing outdated units currently in use by officers, including one Generation 3 MDT, five Generation 4 MDTs, and ten Generation 5 MDTs. The upgraded technology is expected to improve the speed and efficiency of officer reporting in the field.

The Stark County Sheriff's Office will use its share of the award to strengthen the Stark County Metro Narcotics Unit and the Human Trafficking Task Force. Planned purchases include a covert pole camera unit, ten Axon tasers with accessories, a Tip411 web-based tip subscription, and an Oculus NxtGen 4G/LTE device. Officials say the new equipment will enhance operational capabilities for both units and support broader public safety efforts across Stark County.

The award covers a project period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2028.